The use of a slow sound speed fluorocarbon liquid for shock wave research

Fluorocarbon liquids have very low sound speeds in comparison with water. The measurement of shock waves in water is complicated by its relatively high sound speed. This paper presents a fluorocarbon liquid with a sound speed of 655 m/s for use in liquid shock experiments. Experimental and numerical results of shock wave reflection from various parabolas and wedges are given. Experiments were performed in a vertical liquid shock tube. The properties including an equation of state for the liquid are given. Numerical simulations using this equation of state are performed using a finite element program. It is shown that the investigation of non-linearities in water will require shock tubes that can withstand high pressures. Due to the high B/A parameter for this fluorocarbon liquid, it is demonstrated that non-linearities can be achieved and studied at much lower pressures. Received 1 July 1996 / Accepted 26 September 1996